Featured commentary & analysis


Counterterrorism Study Group

The Counterterrorism Study Group is a forum for former counterterrorism officials to review the latest threats, to understand emerging trends and future predictions, and to explore creative new proposals for improving the effectiveness of current policies and operations.


Podcast series

Listen to the latest episode of the China-MENA podcast, featuring conversations with academics, government leaders, and the policy community on China’s role in the Middle East.


Gulf Security Task Force

The Gulf Security Task Force is revisiting the question of how to best protect US interests in this sensitive, always relevant region. Our goal is to provide US decision-makers with an updated, fact-based strategy for protecting US interests in the air and maritime domain from the Persian Gulf to the Red Sea, and ensuring Gulf partners’ ability to assume this responsibility, with the assistance and leadership of the United States.

Content

Fast Thinking

Sep 9, 2025

Israel just struck Hamas leadership in Qatar. What’s next? 

By Atlantic Council

Our experts share their insights on what Israel’s attack on Hamas political leadership in Qatar will mean for its campaign in Gaza.

Conflict Defense Policy

MENASource

Aug 28, 2025

The Gulf’s dark horse: Why Oman can seize a global trade realignment

By Nic Adams

While economic uncertainty is gripping many countries around the world, Oman has remained a steadfast defense and economic partner of the United States.

Defense Industry Defense Policy

New Atlanticist

Aug 26, 2025

IMEC must be more than a trade route. Digital integration should be a priority.

By Afaq Hussain

The India-UAE virtual trade corridor should be the starting point for an expanded digital trade ecosystem among India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor partner countries.

Digital Policy Economy & Business

MENASource

Aug 4, 2025

What could NATO’s commercial space strategy mean for the Gulf?  

By Manal Fatima

The United States is well positioned to help extend NATO’s emerging commercial space ecosystem to the Gulf.

Europe & Eurasia Space

MENASource

Aug 1, 2025

Where does the Gulf stand on Russia’s recognition of the Taliban?

By Giorgio Cafiero

While maintaining close ties with the West, the GCC has increasingly strengthened its ties with Russia and China.

Afghanistan Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Jul 31, 2025

Gateways to the Red Sea: The case for Israel–Somaliland normalization

By Amit Yarom

Expanding the Abraham Accords to Somaliland could quietly anchor a more stable and cooperative Red Sea region.

East Africa Israel

MENASource

Jul 23, 2025

Iran, China, Russia, and the collapse of deterrence in the Red Sea

By Fatima Abo Alasrar

Multiple powers now patrol with different mandates, different rules, and increasingly different interpretations of acceptable behavior.

China Iran

MENASource

Jul 17, 2025

Facing scarcity, the Gulf’s ‘smart water’ future lies in desalination

By Hany Ghanem

Desalination-enhanced regenerative data centers can help tackle the challenges of limited water resources and the post-oil economic shift.

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy & Environment

MENASource

Jul 16, 2025

How Mauritania-Israel normalization may boost US posture in the Sahel

By Sarah Zaaimi

If Mauritania is nearing a deal with Israel, this could be the beginning of a wider re-engagement with Sahel countries.

Israel Middle East

UkraineAlert

Jul 13, 2025

Ukraine can benefit from growing tech ties between Gulf states and the US

By Anatoly Motkin

As the Middle East adjusts to new geopolitical realities, growing tech sector cooperation between the US and the Gulf states is creating a range of opportunities for Ukraine, writes Anatoly Motkin.

Conflict Cybersecurity

Experts